WSH Guidelines Safeguarding Against Falling Objects

8/12/2019 WSH Guidelines Safeguarding Against Falling Objects

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Contents

1. Introduction 2

2. Risk Assessment 3

3. Hierarchy of Control 5

4. Sample Risk Assessment 8

5. Storage of Items 10

6. Working at Height 11

7. Safe Transfer of Materials or Goods 14

8. Lifting 16

9. General Safety Practices 18

10. Acknowledgements 21


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1. Introduction

Struck by falling objects (SBFO) is statistically the second most common cause of workplace

fatalities in Singapore. Furthermore, SBFO is a common hazard across all industry sectors and

had resulted in many cases of workplace injury. Members of the public may also be at risk from

SBFO if workplace safety is not managed well.

Management has a key role in preventing SBFO incidents from occurring, and must take

the lead in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) efforts. This is important for developing

a good safety culture where each individual takes personal responsibility for safety and

health at the workplace.

This set of guidelines focuses on the dangers of items that fall from height. Falling objects can

strike persons on the head and the resultant injuries can be fatal. Therefore, it is imperative that

reasonably practicable efforts are taken to prevent objects from falling onto persons. Protection

provided by personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, may sometimes be unable

to effectively safeguard a person who is struck by falling objects.

These guidelines are intended to provide information and guidance on situations where SBFO

is a hazard and the preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard people who work on

the site, visitors to the site and members of the public.


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2. Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment/ Risk ManagementThe risk assessment process helps to identify and prevent hazards at the workplace. It also

helps in the implementation of effective risk control measures before risks escalate into

accidents and injuries.

Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, every workplace, including factories, should

conduct risk assessments for all routine and non-routine works.

It is the process of: Identifying and analysing safety and health hazards associated with work;

Assessing the risks involved; and

Prioritising measures to control the hazards and reduce the risks.

Before conducting risk assessment, adequate preparation must be done. A risk assessment

team should be formed, preferably consisting of personnel from various levels in the work

activity. Relevant information should be collated to facilitate better understanding of the

work process.

After completing the preparation work, workplace risks can then be assessed in three simple steps.

STEP 1: Hazard IdentificationHazard identification involves identifying hazards associated with the activity of each process

and potential accidents or ill health that could result from these hazards. It also identifies the

person(s) who may be at risk as a result of being exposed to these hazards.

STEP 2: Risk EvaluationRisk evaluation is the process of estimating the risk levels of the hazards and their acceptability.

This is used as a base for prioritising actions to control the hazards to minimise safety and

health risks.

Risk evaluation is made up of two parts:

Estimating the severity of the hazard; and

Estimating the likelihood of the incident or ill-health occurring with the existing risk

controls.

STEP 3: Risk ControlBased on the risk evaluation in STEP 2, risk controls should be selected to reduce or confine the

identified risk to an acceptable level.


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1

Preparation

2Hazard

Identification

3

Risk

Evaluation

4

Risk

Control

5

Record

Keeping

6

Implementation

& Review

> Form Risk

Assessment

Team

> Gather relevant

information

> Identify hazards

> Identify

potential

accidents/

incidents

> Estimate risk

levels based

on identified

hazards

> Prioritise the

hazards to be

controlled

> Formulate

control

measures

according to

the Hierachy of

Control:

Elimination

Substitution

Engineering

controls

Administrative

controls

PPE

> Analyse and

evaluate

residual risk

> Keep risk

assessment

reports for

at least three

years

> Review risk

assessments

Once every

three years;

Whenever new

information

on OSH risks

surfaces;

When there

are changes to

work processes

and/or;

After any

accident/

incident

COMMUNICATION

RISK ASSESSMENT

Hazard Identification Risk Evaluation Risk Control1 2 3

These risk controls must be effective yet practicable. To control hazards and reduce risks, the

control measures below should be considered in the following order:

Elimination;

Substitution;

Engineering controls;

Administrative controls; and

PPE.

See Page 8 for a Sample Risk Assessment. For more information, please refer to Guidelines on

Risk Assessment at www.mom.gov.sg

Risk assessment, when carried out appropriately, would allow a better understanding of

risks at the workplace and their control measures. It is a key component of risk management.

Besides risk assessment, good risk management also consists of other components such as

communication, record keeping, and implementation and review. Together, they form the risk

management process captured in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Flow chart of the risk management process.


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In considering each measure in the Hierarchy of Control (Figure 2), the following elements of

what is reasonably practicable must be considered:

The likelihood of a hazard or risk occurring (i.e., the probability of a person being exposed

to harm);

The degree of harm if the hazard or risk occurs (i.e., the potential seriousness of injury or

harm);

The persons degree of understanding on the hazard or risk, and any possible ways of

eliminating or reducing the hazard or risk; and

The availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or reduce the hazard or risk.

Control measures are not usually mutually exclusive. It may be necessary to use more than

one of these measures to reduce a risk to its lowest possible level when no single measure is

sufficient on its own. For example, engineering controls can be implemented together with

administrative controls like training and safe work procedures.

3. Hierarchy of Control

Figure 2: Hierarchy of Control.

The selection of control measures for hazards and reduction of risks can be accomplished by

following the Hierarchy of Control (see Figure 2).

ELIMINATION

SUBSTITUTION

ENGINEERING CONTROLS

ADMINISTRATIVE

PERSONAL PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT (PPE)Least

Effective

MostEffective


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SubstitutionThis involves replacing a hazard with one that presents a lower risk.

It is possible to consider the usage of prefabricated or precast materials that can be assembled

easily. With this approach, prefabricated components such as precast faade components are

produced in the factory which has a safe and cleaner working environment, before they are

delivered and assembled on site. This minimises the time workers need to conduct work at

height which, in turn, minimises the risks of falling objects and being struck by falling objects.

This is in contrast to the conventional way of using in situ casting that require workers to workat height for extended periods of time for the messy formwork erection, rebar installation,

concreting and plastering works.

Engineering ControlsEngineering controls are physical means that limit the hazard. These include structural changes

to the work environment or work processes by erecting a barrier to interrupt the transmission

path between the worker and the hazard.

By intercepting the path of falling objects, engineering controls such as safety nets and catch

platforms prevent objects from striking persons below. However, they must be of sufficient

strength to withstand the force generated by the falling object.

Administrative ControlsThese reduce or eliminate exposure to a hazard by adherence to procedures or instructions.

Documentation should emphasise all the steps to be taken and the controls to be used in

carrying out the activity safely.

After risk assessment has been carried out, Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) should be implemented

to manage safety and health risks. SWPs should include emergency plans in addition to safetyprecautions. It should also reiterate the importance of proper usage of PPE.

EliminationElimination of hazards refers to the total removal of the

hazards and hence effectively eliminating the possible

occurrence of incidents and ill health. This would be

the permanent solution and should be attempted in

the first instance. When a hazard is eliminated, the

associated risks cease to exist as a result.

For example, air conditioner compressors can be

installed near ground level, where possible. This

eliminates the need to work from height, and in doing

so, eliminates the risk of falls from height and being

struck by fallen tools or even the compressor itself.

Maintenance work will also benefit from this, in addition

to the initial installation work.

Figure 3: Air-conditioningcompressor units installed at groundlevel eliminates the need for work atheight and the risk of being struck byfalling objects.


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Figure 4: Signs can be used to warnpersons at work if there is a riskof falling objects and that safetyhelmets are needed.

Figure 5: If safety helmets cannotprovide enough protection, considerprohibiting access to the area. A noentry sign can accompany this signto ensure nobody enters the area.

SWPs and good planning can mitigate risks of potential SBFO incidents. However, supervision

and enforcement would be needed to ensure the effectiveness of administrative control

measures. Administrative controls can also include signs and warnings to inform or remind workers.

Training can include methods and aspects, such as good housekeeping practices andorganisation and storage of materials, that can help prevent falling objects.

PPEThe proper use of PPE can help to keep workers safe at work. However, PPE should only be used

in addition to other forms of control measures (e.g., engineering control measures) or when

these other measures are not feasible or practical.

When used in isolation, PPE can only provide a marginal degree of protection, usually only

adequate for protection against light falling objects. However, PPE can be used as a supplementto other risk control methods, where they can provide an additional layer of protection.

Residual RisksResidual risks are the remaining risks following the implementation of risk controls. The risk

assessment team should ensure that residual risks are acceptable and manageable.

Safety helmets

must be wornin this area

Warning

Fallingobjects


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RISKASSESSME

NTFORM

Company:

ABCWarehousingPteLtd

Conductedby:

(Names,designa

tions)

MrDEF,WarehouseSupervisor

Process/Location:

Goodsstoragearea

Approvedby:

(Name,design

ation)

MrGHI,GeneralManager

Conductedon:

LastReviewDate:

Approvedon:

NextReviewDate:

No

WorkActivity

Hazards

Possible

Accid

ents/Ill

Healt

hand

Perso

ns-at-Risk

ExistingRiskContro

l

(ifany)

Likelihood

Severity

RiskLevel

Addit

ionalRisk

Contr

ols

ActionOfficer,

Designation(Date)

1

Transferof

metal

pipes

usingoverhead

travellingcrane

Struckby

fallingload

Injury

ordeathto

perso

nsstruck

Useoftaglinestoco

ntrol

loadsway/swing

Barricadesandsignstokeep

non-essentialpersonnelfrom

enteringtheaffectedarea

Cranealarmisswitchedon

duringmovement

Unlikely

Catastrophic

Medium

Nil

Supervisor

(immediate)

Struckby

fallinglifting

gear

Injury

ordeathto

perso

nsstruck

Barricadesandsignstokeep

non-essentialpersonnelfrom

enteringtheaffectedarea

Cranealarmisswitchedon

duringmovement

Unlikely

Catastrophic

Medium

Nil

Supervisor

(immediate)

2.

Installationof

newracks

Struck

byfalling

objects

(materials,

tools,fittings

suchas

brackets,

screws.)

Injury

ordeathto

perso

nsstruck

Wearingofhelmetw

ithin

workarea

Warningsignsplace

d

(wearingofhelmet,

noentry

tounauthorisedper

sons)

Possible

Catastrophic

High

Workarea

cordo

nedoff

withb

arricades

Toolsand

mater

ialskeptin

boxes

andbags

when

notinuse

Supervisor

(immediate)

4. Sample Risk Assessment


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Rare

Unlikely

Possible

Likely

Almost

Certain

Catastr

ophic

Medium

Medium

High

High

High

Major

Medium

Medium

Medium

High

High

Mode

rate

Low

Medium

Medium

Medium

High

Min

or

Low

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

Negligible

Low

Low

Low

Medium

Medium

Likelihood

Severity


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Storage of loose items on racks or shelves can be hazardous. The loose items may be dislodged

during the intentional removal or from unintentional bumping against the racks or shelves.

The safe maximum load of shelving or racks should be strictly adhered to at all times.

Storage of heavier items on lower racks of shelvesFor storage racks or shelves, heavier items should be placed lower down and lighter objects can

be placed on the higher levels. This will give additional stability to the rack, and reduce the risk

of toppling racks. Additionally, lighter objects pose a potentially lower chance of severe head

injuries in the event that items stored on higher levels get displaced from position.

Securing items for safe storageMethods of securing goods/ items, to keep them in

place, during storage:

Netting

Restraining bars

Small, loose items can be tied together, wrapped or

kept in containers to prevent unwanted movement and

falling.

Provision for safe storage of irregularly shaped items

should be provided.

Boxes and bags can help prevent unwanted movement

of rounded or spherical items.

5. Storage of Items

Figure 6: Heavier objects shouldbe stored on the lower shelves forstability and safety.

Figure 7: Netting can help preventthe dislodging of stored items.


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6. Working at Height

In addition to falls from height, work activities carried out at height can also result in dropped

objects or materials.

Prevention of objects falling through openings onelevated work platformsWhen work is carried out on elevated work platforms (e.g., scaffolds), measures must be taken

to ensure the safety of workers below. Should there be a risk that items may fall (e.g., over

toe-boards), panelling can be installed to prevent the fall of such items.

Overlay/ screening netsSuch nets are required by legislation [Factories

(Scaffolds) Regulations] to be used to envelop scaffolds

that are erected on the outside of a building. They will

form a preventive layer to guard against the dislodging

of equipment or materials.

Safety netsSafety nets set up under elevated work areas can

help prevent tools and materials from hitting workers

who are below the work area should there be any

accidental dislodging.

Catch platformsA catch platform is a temporary structure located below

a work area, meant to catch any fallen materials ortools. The platform must be constructed with sufficient

strength, designed to withstand the maximum

expected impact. The width of the platforms must also

be large enough to effectively intercept the trajectory

of falling items.

Figure 8: Overlay nets can preventlight objects from being accidentallythrown from the interior of thebuilding.


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Toe-boards for scaffolds andwork platforms

Toe-boards are installed on all sides of the work platforms

on the scaffolds, with the main purpose of preventing

materials or tools on the surface of the platform from

being unintentionally knocked off. Toe-boards are

required under the Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations to

be of good construction, sound material and adequate

strength to withstand the impact during the course

of work, with a minimal height of 90 mm. Refer to the

Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations for more details on

requirements for toe-boards.

Controlled lowering of materials

or tools, as opposed to throwingControlled lowering of materials or tools is one of the

more preferable methods of removing items or tools

from elevations. It reduces the chances of worker or the

general public been exposed to the hazard of being

struck by objects being thrown about. Care must be

taken to ensure that the load is secure and will not drop

while it is being lowered.

Use of waste disposal/ debrischutesEnclosed chutes can be used for the safe removal of

unwanted materials quickly. The chute keeps debris

within itself, preventing materials that are dropped from

falling onto people.

Figure 9: Toe-boards prevent itemsfrom falling off the surface of the

platform of the scaffold.

Figure 10: Waste disposal/ debrischutes prevent materials from

accidentally falling onto people.


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Tethers/ Tie-downs for toolsTethers and tie-downs such as lanyards, straps, and

slings can help prevent tools from being dropped should

the worker drop the tools during transportation, lose his

grip while using them or accidentally leave the tools

behind after work. The tether should be secured and bemade of a sufficiently durable material. If possible, such

tethers should be specifically designed instead of being

added onto existing tools so as to prevent any accidental

detachment of the tethered tool and preserve the

functionality of the tools.

Tool bags/ belts/ pouchesUsing a bag, belt or pouch to hold tools can help prevent

the accidental drop of tools or small materials duringclimbing or moving. This also helps prevent the worker

from falling from height, as he can maintain three points

of contact and have a better hold on the ladder.

Figure 11: Tools tethered to the userby means of a lanyard can preventthem from falling and strikingpersons below. It also prevents themfrom being left behind accidentallyafter work.

Figure 12: Using a tool bag, beltor pouch leaves the hands free forclimbing the ladders. The workercan maintain three points of contactas well.


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7. Safe Transfer of Materials or Goods

Activities involving the transfer or movement of materials can result in serious injury if not

managed properly. For example, the load may be dislodged after striking an obstacle and fall

onto persons nearby. Forklifts and overhead travelling cranes are two commonly used types of

equipment for the transfer of materials.

ClearanceEnsure that personnel are kept away from the path of movement before starting the transfer.

Ensure that there is sufficient clearance space around and above the intended path so that the

materials do not strike nearby objects, structures or obstacles.

Stability of the loadLoads should be made as stable as possible before they

are lifted and moved. This is to prevent any tipping or

swinging of the load during transit. If necessary, they

may also be secured to increase stability.

Hazards posed by the loadThe nature of the load may pose hazards to persons

within or around the work area. Loads that are overly

bulky, very long, irregularly shaped or have off-centre

centres-of-gravity need special consideration. The use

of specialised attachments can allow forklifts to carry

such loads safely. However, the attachments may

reduce the carrying capacity or safe working load of

the forklift, due to the shift in the centre-of-gravity

of the entire forklift. Consult the manufacturer of the

attachments to determine the required adjustments insafe working load.

General safety for travelling equipmentGeneral safe work practices, such as only allowing trained and authorised operators to operate

such equipment, keeping within the speed limit and the safe working load of the equipment

are to be followed at all times. For more information on safe work practices for forklifts,

travelling cranes, managing workplace traffic and so on, refer to the Workplace Safety and

Health Guidelines on Workplace Traffic Safety Management on www.wshc.sg

Figure 13: Strapping the drumsprevents them from toppling duringtransit.


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Securing of items during installationFor items that are moved into position by machinery for installation work, it is vital to ensure

that the item is installed securely to the structure before disengaging the machinery or any

slings or brackets that are holding the item in place.


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8. Lifting

Lifting operations, if not managed properly, can result in heavy loads falling onto persons

below. This is potentially the most severe type of SBFO due to the weight (e.g., I-beams) and/or

quantities (e.g., bricks or tiles) of the dropped objects.

Lifting operations

No entry areas

Figure 14: Signs can be used to warn persons of lifting works in progress, andprevent accidental entry.

Designate no-entry areas during lifting operations. This should be communicated to affected

parties (e.g., those who are expected to be nearby). Supplement with barricades and signs or

even sentries to prevent access into potential areas of impact.

Scheduling

If possible, consider conducting lifting operations during times where fewer people are

expected to be present.

SWPs

Never lift, lower or swing a load over people. Be aware that the momentum of a load that

is swung may cause it to travel outward from the centre of the swinging arc. Additionally,ensure that loads are secured and balanced before hoisting commences.

NO ENTRYNO ENTRYWARNING

Lifting in progress


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Lifting plan (includes SWP)

Communication (lifting operations)

Engage only trained personnel in the lifting operation. Maintain clear and concise

coordination between machine operator and co-workers.

Designation of no entry areas

This is to prevent unauthorised personnel from getting near or entering the danger area

when the lifting operations are in progress.

Maintenance for lifting appliance/ machine/ gearTo ensure serviceability and functionality of lifting appliance/ machine/ gear, scheduling

routine repairs, maintenance work and inspection is essential. This would aid in the monitoring

and prevention of premature equipment failure, thereby avoiding unnecessary injuries or

accident and production downtime.

For more information on safety during lifting operations, refer to the Technical Advisory for Safe

Operation of Lifting Equipment on www.wshc.sg The following Singapore Standards can be

consulted for specific information for lifting operations:

SS 536 : 2008 Code of practice for the safe use of mobile cranes

SS 497 : 2002 Design, safe use and maintenance of overhead traveling cranes

CP 35 : 1996 Code of practice for the selection, care and maintenance of steel wire ropes for

hoisting

SS 297 : 1996 Steel wire ropes for hoisting

SS 343-1 : 2001 Lifting gear wire rope slings

SS 343-2 : 1989 Lifting gear hooks

SS 343-3 : 1990 Lifting gear shackles

CP 101 : 2004 Code of practice for safe use of powered counterbalanced forklifts

CP 63 : 1996 (2005) Code of practice for Lifting of persons in work platforms suspended

from cranes

The Code of Practice for Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplace is currently under

development by the WSH Council.


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9. General Safety Practices

Some good practices that can help reduce the risk of being SBFO are applicable in most

situations. Good practices highlighted in previous portions of this guide can also pertain to

general situations. For example, imposing no-entry areas with cordons or barricades and the

use of signs can keep people from entering areas where SBFO may occur.

Overhead protection for pedestriansOverhead protection structures (e.g., shelters) must

meet certain standards. They should provide collective

protection to all who are under it. Overhead protectionshould be structurally strong to prevent collapse or

penetration due to objects that may fall onto them. Such

structures can be erected to protect persons entering or

leaving buildings that are under construction.

Overhead protection for machinesSome work activities can expose operators of industrial

vehicles to the risk of being SBFO. This is especially so

for vehicles used in earth moving or excavation works.Another example would be operators of vehicles involved

in the felling of trees or the pruning of large branches

from trees. Below are some examples of international

standards which stipulate the requirements for such

overhead protection:

AS 2294.1-1997 Earth-moving machinery Protective

structures General

ISO 8083:2006 Machinery for forestry Falling-object

protective structures (FOPS) Laboratory tests andperformance requirements

Figure 15: Collective protection isachieved by use of an adequatelyrobust overhead shelter.


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Rusting or corrosion of metalobjectsMetal objects that are installed at high altitudes should

be periodically examined. Corrosion or rusting can

result in structural weaknesses which can cause objects

to fall without warning. Examples of such objects

include bolts and nuts, hanging light fixtures.

Additionally, secondary retention (e.g., using wires,

straps, chains or netting of sufficient strength, to

provide a means of preventing an object from falling

when it becomes detached) can help protect persons

from being struck by falling objects.

Good housekeepingKeep unused tools and materials in their respective

toolbox or place. This prevents workers working nearby

the overhead structure from accidentally kicking,

throwing or sweeping the tools/ materials off. These

tools/ materials may fall onto workers below.

Storage of materials or equipment should be done

away from working edges. Loose items, such as mortar,

scattered masonry, and all other materials and debrisshould be kept clear of the working area through removal

at regular intervals.

No kicking, throwing or pushingany object off edgesWorkers should be instructed never to kick, throw or

push unwanted materials or items off edges. While signs

can serve as a reminder to workers, supervision would

be required to ensure that such unsafe practices are not

carried out.

TrainingSafety training for workers can include topics related to prevention of and protection from

falling objects, for example:

Nature of hazards relating to falling objects in the work area;

The meaning/ reason behind no entry zones or hard hat zones

How they may contribute to prevent SBFO incidents, for example:

- Clearing away debris

Figure 16: Secondary retentioncan prevent hanging objects from

striking persons below if they fall.

Figure 17: Unsecured materialsplaced near edges may be knockedover accidentally.


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- Keeping tools in designated areas, away from edges

- Not dropping or kicking unwanted items over the edge

Proper fitting and wearing of PPEPPE that is used by workers to carry out work at height must be worn and fitted properly. PPE

that is ill-fitting or not worn properly may drop off, and pose an SBFO risk to workers below.

Safety helmetSafety helmets provide some protection for the headit will protect the wearer against small,

light objects, such as hand tools. It is insufficient to protect the wearer against heavier objects

therefore, other methods of prevention and protection are needed. Helmets should conform

to Singapore Standards SS 98 : 2005 Specification for Industrial safety helmets. Helmets are

also potential falling objects, hence chin straps are highly recommended for helmets worn for

work at height.

Safety shoes/ bootsSafety shoes and boots provide limited protection for

the feet against light objects dropped such as small tools

or materials like nuts and bolts.

Provision of PPE for visitorsVisitors to areas where SBFO may occur should be

provided with the appropriate PPE.

PPE that limit visionSome PPE such as welding helmets or goggles limit a

wearers vision. As such, more attention or supervision

may be required in areas where such PPE are used. The

hampered vision may result in the worker being less

able to spot tools or debris on the ground, or hazards

above him.

Figure 19: Consideration needs to bemade for workers who are requiredto perform work using PPE that canobstruct or hamper their vision.

Figure 18: Safety shoes and bootsprovide limited protection for thefeet from light falling objects.


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10. Acknowledgements

Workplace Safety and Health Council and Ministry of Manpower would like to thank Bovis Lend

Lease Pte Ltd, CWT Logistics Pte Ltd, Jian Huang Construction Co Pte Ltd and Sembawang

Shipyard for their valuable assistance with the images used in this Guidelines.


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Documents

WSH Guidelines Safeguarding Against Falling Objects